NRL legend Greg Inglis stopped by Gunnedah last week for series of rugby league coaching clinics and mental health talks with the Goanna Academy.

“It’s great to be in town,” Inglis told the Gunnedah Times.

Inglis, who played more than 260 NRL games for Melbourne Storm, South Sydney Rabbitohs and Queensland, is the academy’s founder and managing director. It aims to break the cycle of poor mental health in sectors of youth, adults and the indigenous community.

He described the academy as the next stage in his post-football career and one which provides much fulfillment.

“[The academy] means a lot,” Inglis said.

“Spreading the word about preventative mental health is something I’m passionate about.

“I’ve played rugby league for so many years, I feel that’s one chapter of my life that’s ended and this is another that’s starting.

“It’s very fulfilling.”

After a remarkable rugby league career, including a historic, long-awaited premiership with the Rabbitohs in 2014, Inglis said bearing witness to the joy of children taking part at the academy still holds a special significance.

“That’s why I put these clinics on, so the kids can go back, have a smile on their face and have a laugh,” he said.

“Sometimes around junior levels [sport] can be taken a bit too seriously, so it’s important to bring it back, enjoy life and have fun.”

In addition to the rugby league coaching clinics, the academy day in Gunnedah also included community market stalls, Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony as well as separate mental health talks for both youth and adult audiences.

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